Aight so fighting types in general got a buff from the Aegis ban, there's two in particular I'd like to discuss -- Toxicroak and Machamp. Let's start with Machamp, the least affected of the two:
ATTENTION, PLEASE READ: Before spewing off posts about how Machamp is brutally outclassed by Conkeldurr, be it known that I am fully aware of this. It lacks the movepool and comes up slightly short in terms of firepower, HOWEVER I have found it to be quite effective in this meta if utilized properly. Basically, it can run one set and one set only and is a textbook example of a niche pokemon, as it relies mostly on 'hax' to get the job done. And a lot of players see 'hax' abuse as unstrategic and uncompetitive, which yeah, it kind of is in the traditional sense, however, I prefer to see it more as utilizing game mechanics to your benefit, and see the risk/chance to not be far off from using a move like Focus Blast that relies on chance to even hit. Anyway, without further ado:
Pokedex Number - #068
Type(s) - Fighting
Base Stats - 90 HP / 130 Atk / 80 Def / 65 SAtk / 85 SDef / 55 Spe
General Analysis of Pokemon/Current Roles in OU - Machamp used to be the best fighting type in OU, then Conkeldurr came along and ruined everything. Machamp's only claim to fame at the moment is having a no-miss Dynamic Punch with 100% confusion rate, which is considered by many to be on the gimmicky side. And if you're only relying on that, it is, but here's the thing -- Dynamic Punch is a base 100 fighting-type no-miss STAB with zero drawbacks or repercussions. Conk has Focus Punch, Superpower, and Hammer Arm, but all three of those have serious drawbacks, which is why the most powerful move you ever see on most Conk sets happens to be Drain Punch. Which is good I suppose, as it supplies Conk with some longevity. However, the Machamp set I have provided bypasses the need for Drain Punch at the sacrifice of coverage (which isn't really needed with Machamp anyway). Machamp's main selling point is how difficult it is to switch into it, as you'll be hammered by a powerful fighting move in addition to being plagued with confusion upon entry. Which kind of sucks to be on the receiving end. Anyway, the reason Champ can perform this role now is he no longer needs Knock Off for coverage and can go back to smashing faces without too much concern.
Potential Moveset(s) -
RestTalk
Machamp @ Leftovers
Ability: No Guard
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def
Adamant Nature
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
- Dynamic Punch
- Ice Punch
Set Description:
This is literally the only set Machamp should ever run. It's the only one where he isn't brutally outclassed by Conkeldurr in every way. The EVs and nature are to take/dish out hits as best as possible. At full health he can survive a Psychic from Lando-I and OHKO with Ice Punch. Toxic Stall Gliscor, unless running Taunt, also loses to this set. Garchomp loses to this set. Bisharp and Tyranitar lose to this set. Pretty much anything with a 4x Ice or Fighting weakness loses to this set. The biggest banes to this guy are Mega Venusar, Mega Gardevoir, Mega Pinsir, Mega Medicham, the Latis, Azumarill (fairies in general, really), and Talonflame (although only Mega Gard can really switch in safely). Good partners include Tyranitar to deal with Talonflame and Pursuit Trapping the Latis, and Jirachi to handle Mega Gard/Venu/fairies. Talonflame also is not bad to have on your side, as it offensively checks Mega Pinsir/Heracross/Medicham.
Personal Opinion of the Pokemon/Conclusion:
It's pretty good at checking lotsa shit with D-Punch spam, as nothing can really safely switch in, but that's about it. Good poke, fun to use, but not super reliable and lacks some coverage.
^I won't be adding this one to the OP as it's a little *too* niche for most people, I believe, but I still think it's worth mentioning. Will be doing Toxicroak later.